If you didn’t see it in other threads, here’s the link to download a 97-page sample of what you can expect:
Van's Air Force
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RV-15 Plans Sample (Jan ’26)
- Thread starter DeltaRomeo
- Start date
I'll be looking at that part a little bit cross-eyed for a while. I'm coming from the RV-12 build which also had very thorough KAI which was generally really good. For my brain, I feel better seeing actual part numbers, they kinda stick in my brain from page to page and things track. This method of everything getting a new number, starting at 1, on each page will break that continuity. I'm sure it will just be an adjustment to get used to.
"So easy a Caveman could do it."
Just like every other RV ever built. Including the one you’re building now.
D’Oh!
I'm trying to save up money to order.
Gotta finish the Pietenpol first. Also letting my buddies be the guinea pigs... Also, Carey would prefer a 10So little time, so many projects... What's a Caveman to do?
Yes, you are correct (2 plate mount on mine, 3 plate mount on RV-15). Am I correct in assuming that in both cases the bracket(s) must be completely de-riveted to replace the spherical bearing?
In my entire career working with RVs, I have only had to replace one one time.
This style of a bearing does not hold up to any amount of axial (lateral) load.
If parts are assembled properly with proper Shiming done so that no lateral load is induced, and regular lubrication maintenance is done, the bearings will last for a very long time.
There are many RVs that are well beyond 30 years old that are still flying with the original bearings.
On the one I replaced (two plate style on the original prototype RV –6A), I was able to extract the bearing by removing all the rivets aft of the angle brackets that are used to attach the assembly to the rear spar, and then carefully prying apart the two layers, just enough to slip the bearing out and insert the new one.
It will likely be easier on the three plate style since the side plates are thinner material, which will be easier to pry away from the center portion to get the bearing out.
I just glanced, but didn’t look super close as I am not interested in the 15 but: It seems like such an improvement to not refer to parts by their names in the text instructions for each step. Endless times mistakes have been made by me because a part or an alignment or something is referred to in slightly different ways from page to page, or the language is unclear and you make assumptions.
I am sure new issues will come up but this looks great.
I am sure new issues will come up but this looks great.
I think it is related to flap deployment.
Part of the mechanism that converts the mechanics of a cable activation system routed from the cockpit, through a mechanism that then is converted through this mixer to a fore/aft mechanical motion to move the flap.
Sorry for the nube question..just getting my kit inventoried and starting to look at the manual
In some places the plans specify a rivet direction, in many they don’t
Based on a brief search through the forums,
(for example Thread 'AN470 rivet direction')
I think I got that unless otherwise directed in the plans, or there are access issues, the factory rivet head should go on:
The side with the thinnest material
The visible side
The side with the easiest access
The side that is easiest to drill out later
The front or top sides
Are there any other considerations and is there any significant priority to the options in the above list that would make one a higher priority choice than another?
In some places the plans specify a rivet direction, in many they don’t
Based on a brief search through the forums,
(for example Thread 'AN470 rivet direction')
I think I got that unless otherwise directed in the plans, or there are access issues, the factory rivet head should go on:
The side with the thinnest material
The visible side
The side with the easiest access
The side that is easiest to drill out later
The front or top sides
Are there any other considerations and is there any significant priority to the options in the above list that would make one a higher priority choice than another?
Van's neglected to mention about a thing called Section 5. It has most of the information you will need to know about working with aluminum and rivets and pretty much everything you need to know about building your kit.
It is a MUST READ if you have never worked on an airplane before:
Section 5
If the plans specify an orientation, there is generally a reason for it. So, the plan specified orientation trumps all others. From there, convention says the manufactured head goes on the thinner material, top, or forward. There is no strength difference for a properly driven rivet in any orientation.
They actually went way above just mentioning it.
Page 4 of each of the build sections they have published so far give a complete list of all the paragraph sections in Section 5 that are relevant to that specific build section in the manual.
The problem is they don’t include section 5 in the plan set. You have to go look for section 5 on the Van’s website. At least that’s what I had to do.
Section 5 is great reading, thanks!
I couldn’t find anything specific on rivet direction, and actually I couldn’t find it in 43.13 either, although it is probably in one or the other somewhere.
I did find this reference with some interesting tidbits specific to riveting:
The direction of the rivet is not important for structural strength. The direction is important from the perspective of interference such as the control arm for the aileron. Usually in the construction drawing, it will specify the direction to countersink so when the control arms slide against each other, they won't hit a shop rivet head.
Section 5 gets linked to all plans sets available to builders once logged in. But it's a good idea to link those as well to the sample plans for the 15.
I'm building an RV-3B, and you're absolutely right!
Although I was surprised to see that the proper torque wasn't specified. But it's not in the RV-3B plans either, of course.
Dave
There is a chart in the previously referenced to section 5, that lists recommended torque values for common fasteners.
Not to mention advisory circular AC 43.13 and the standard Aircraft handbook, both of which amateur builders should consider having copies of while on the journey of fulfilling the education portion of their certification requirements.
The RV-15 kit plans for sections 23-27 (along with section 5 and index) are now posted in the web store, at least they are for me. These files show the same date of 12/30/25 as the sample plans posted earlier, but the version shows as R0 in the web store where it was R1 in the samples.
Who's good at those puzzles where you find any differences between two matching pictures.
Who's good at those puzzles where you find any differences between two matching pictures.
The RV-15 kit plans for sections 23-27 (along with section 5 and index) are now posted in the web store, at least they are for me. These files show the same date of 12/30/25 as the sample plans posted earlier, but the version shows as R0 in the web store where it was R1 in the samples.
Who's good at those puzzles where you find any differences between two matching pictures.
Good catch. We'll take a look and make sure the plans posted inside the webstore login are correct. Lots of moving parts 'round here!
When do you plan to post plans Sections 10-21for those who are looking to do their own fuel tank assembly?
